Sydney Roosters coach Brian Smith claims NSW halfback Mitchell Pearce is headed down the path where he can dominate games in the manner Andrew Johns and Darren Lockyer once did.

Having watched his development from close range at the Roosters, Smith said it was up to Pearce to take that next step in his rugby league career.

Pearce, along with halves partner Todd Carney, is seen as the key to success for NSW in Wednesday night’s State of Origin decider, with the Blues attempting to stop Queensland’s run of success at six straight series wins.

“He was a halfback, so there was always an expectation of some kind that he’d run the ship, but at this point in time I think he’s really come on in that regard,” Smith said of Pearce.

“There’s a whole lot of other bits of Mitchell as a guy in a senior position in your team that all needs to blend together and grow.

“From being a young fella just making his debut and being a rookie – to being a solid, dependable, reliable (player) and then getting to the level to being a dominating, commanding player.

“They’re all the facets that we’ve watched the Andrew Johns’ and Darren Lockyers – they’ve all gone on to develop those ultimate phases of their career … I think Mitchell’s well on his way down that path.”

While there will plenty of pressure on Carney in his first winner-takes-all bout at Suncorp Stadium, Pearce has been here before.

He made his debut in the 2008 decider while he also played in last year’s side which lost 34-24 in the finale.